Throttle position control during an engine start

Abstract

A method for improving engine starting for an engine having a variable event valvetrain is described. According to one aspect of the description, valve timing during a start can be set so that combustion stability and emissions may be improved.

1. A method to start an internal combustion engine, the method comprising:
 adjusting the position of a throttle in response to a number of counted physical engine combustion events, said throttle located upstream of an intake manifold. 
 
   
   
     2. The method of  claim 1  further comprising adjusting said throttle position in response to intake manifold pressure. 
   
   
     3. The method of  claim 1  further comprising adjusting stored parameters to adjust throttle position during a subsequent engine start. 
   
   
     4. A method to start an internal combustion engine, the method comprising:
 adjusting the position of a throttle in response to a number of counted engine events, said throttle located upstream of an intake manifold; and 
 transitioning to a second throttle control method after a predetermined number of said counted engine events. 
 
   
   
     5. The method of  claim 4  further comprising comparing intake manifold pressure to a desired intake manifold pressure and adjusting said throttle position if said intake manifold pressure varies from a desired intake manifold pressure. 
   
   
     6. The method of  claim 4  wherein said counted engine events are a counted number of combustion events. 
   
   
     7. The method of  claim 4  further comprising adjusting said throttle position in response to intake manifold pressure.